A person can live for weeks without food and for days without water, but only a few minutes without air. Yet we rarely think about what air we breathe or how deeply. Fresh air and good breathing support the work of the brain, heart and nervous system.
Why we need clean air
Every cell needs oxygen. When we spend a long time in stuffy rooms, our concentration drops, and drowsiness and headaches set in.
- Clear thinking. It is easier to focus and work in a well-aired room.
- Respiratory system. Clean, moist air is gentler on the mucous membranes and lungs.
- Nervous system. A walk in nature helps relieve tension and calm down.
- Good sleep. An aired bedroom helps you rest deeply.
Simple practices
Airing your home
Open the windows for 10-15 minutes several times a day, and air the bedroom before you go to sleep. Keep dust down indoors, and if the air is dry, think about a humidifier.
Walks
A daily walk in a park, in the woods or by the water combines fresh air, movement and light. It is one of the easiest ways to support your health.
Breathing exercises
Try slow diaphragmatic breathing. Sit comfortably, place your palm on your stomach, breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach rises, and then breathe out smoothly. A few minutes of breathing like this helps you relax.
What does harm
- Smoking, including passive smoking.
- Smoky and poorly ventilated rooms.
- Household sprays and strong air fresheners in enclosed spaces.
- Spending long periods in places with polluted air.
Air and recovery
During procedures at the centre it is also important to breathe calmly and deeply, as this helps you relax. Contrast procedures and wraps go well with walks in the fresh air.
The air in your home
People today spend most of the day indoors, so the quality of the air at home is especially important. Living houseplants, regular damp dusting and fewer carpets and other dust traps help reduce dust. Do not keep the windows shut all winter: short, thorough airings work better than a window left ajar for hours.
If you work at a computer, it helps to take a short break every hour, go to the window and take a few deep breaths.
The main rule. Make fresh air part of your daily routine. A few minutes of calm, deep breathing outdoors can make a noticeable difference to how you feel.
